Peer Support
Peer Support
Student life brings with it the demands of academics, relationships, work, and all other facets of your life which may impact your wellbeing. Whether you're just starting university and want to learn how to promote your mental wellbeing throughout your student experience, or you're a current student and have been experiencing challenging feelings, it's important to have a space to share, feel understood, and learn skills for life which will prepare you to navigate difficult times.
Student Integrated Health and Wellbeing offers both group and individual peer support to all TMU students. You can expect supportive and caring environments to discuss your concerns in our groups, ran in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, as well as in individual appointments with our Peer Supporters.
How can I get connected?
After successfully booking a chat with our peer support specialists, you can expect a follow-up email confirm your preference for either an in-person or online meeting. Your well-being is important to us, and we here to make your experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible feel free to have camera on or off as you see comfortable.
Alvin Singh (he/him)
Alvin is available virtually and in person.
Alex Gameiro (she/her)
Alex is available virtally.
What will my peer chat be like?
Students attending either individual or group peer support can expect a safe, empathetic environment where space is created for them to share stories, discuss emotions, and reflect on their lived experiences alongside a trained Peer Supporter. Individual peer support appointments are taken in the Centre for Student Development and Counselling or online through a secure Google Meets appointment. Appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes but can be adjusted to fit the student’s needs.
What is a Peer Supporter?
Peer Supporters use their lived experience navigating academic and mental health concerns to empower and assist others. This is often achieved through the use of interpersonal skills to help foster confidence, connection, and self-esteem. Peer Supporters receive training in areas such as building connection, facilitating discussion, sharing experiences and empowering others through empathy and advocacy.
What’s the difference between peer support and counselling?
Peer support services, both individual and group, are not meant to be clinical treatment for mental illness or mental health concerns more broadly. The work we do together is supportive and validating in nature, however, is not psychotherapy, counselling, or meant to replace psychotherapy or counselling.
If looking for clinical support or treatment for mental health concerns, Peer Supporters can connect you to appropriate services at TMU or in the broader community.
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Earn Your Active Peer Badge! 🌟
Are you looking for ways to take care of your mental health, build supportive connections, and engage in a positive community? The Active Peer Badge is for YOU! In partnership with TMU Leadership
💬 What’s in it for you?
- Safe Spaces to de-stress, share, and feel heard.
- New Friends & Community—connect with others who understand and support you.
- Self-Care & Growth—learn practical tips for mental wellness and self-care.
- Resume Booster—showcase your proactive engagement in mental health and community-building efforts.
✨ How to Earn It:
By joining our peer groups and attending at least 50% of the sessions in a peer group series. You’ll walk away with new skills, connections, and an Active Peer Badge to recognize your dedication to personal and community wellbeing!
Join us and get involved! This badge is your chance to grow, connect, and make a difference for both yourself and your community.
Ready to get started?
Sign up for one of our peer support groups and begin your journey!
Badges will be distributed to students who qualify by the end of the Winter Semester 2025
Dates: Mondays, January 27th to March 17th - Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Weekly) -Modality: Hybrid
(google form) Women’s Peer Support Group (external link, opens in new window)
Our Women's Peer Support Group is a dedicated space where any female identifying student can connect, grow, and empower one another. Through heartfelt discussions and transformative sessions on building self-confidence, navigating imposter syndrome, cultivating healthy relationships, and setting boundaries, we focus on embracing the unique challenges and strengths of being a woman. With workshops and relaxing activities like movie nights and yoga retreats, we create a safe haven for women to nurture themselves, celebrate their journeys, and find the strength to thrive in all aspects of life.
- January 27th (In Person): Mixer
- February 3rd (Hybrid): Self-Confidence/Imposter Syndrome
- February 10th (Hybrid): Healthy Relationships and Boundaries
- February 24th (Hybrid): Dealing with Stress and Burnout
- March 3rd (Hybrid): Body Image/Self Perception
- March 10th (Hybrid): Game Day Retreat
- March 17th (Hybrid): Movie Night (+Evaluation)
Dates: Wednesdays from January 29th to March 5th, 2025 - Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Weekly, no group during Reading Week) - Modality: Virtual Group. New students are welcome at every session - Where: Join Zoom Meeting https://torontomu.zoom.us/j/93464922468?pwd=5sIuesuD8ZRMCEzbvA3gbYvKYtkk9H.1#success (external link)
(google form) Learning Helpful Habits (external link, opens in new window)
In partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Building positive habits can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re aiming to set new routines, shake off old habits, or just want to hang out with supportive folks with their own lived experiences, Learning Helpful Habits is here for you. Dive into honest talks about goal setting, share your wins, get advice, and celebrate your journey with like-minded folks. This group has been designed based on feedback from your peers as to what is relevant to the current student experience. We welcome those who have taken this course before and newcomers alike!
- January 29th: Building Habits
- February 5th: Stress Management
- February 12th: Self-Criticism
- February 26th: Boundaries
- March 5th: Burnout
Dates: Wednesdays, January 29th, February 5th, 12th, & 26th, & March 5th - Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Modality: In-person (Drop-in) at POD50-B
(google form) Discovering Our Personal Growth (external link, opens in new window)
In partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Discovering Our Personal Growth is a supportive space designed to help students explore, reflect, and grow both personally and academically. Each session focuses on practical strategies and meaningful discussions to empower participants in managing stress, building resilience, recognizing burnout, and fostering self-confidence. Through guided activities, open dialogue, and creative expression, this group provides tools and resources to navigate challenges and embrace personal development.
- January 29th: Managing Stress
- February 5th: Self Advocacy
- February 12th: Recognizing Burnout
- February 26th: Recovering From Burnout
- March 5th: Building Your Best Self
Date/time: Wednesdays at 1:00 - 4:00 PM on January 29, February 12th & March 12 - Modality: In-person drop in group. New students are welcome at every session - Where: DCC 7TH Floor
GRAD Art Hive
GRAD Art Hive is a collaboration with the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS) and Health Promotion Programs at TMU. GRAD Art Hive is a space just for graduate students and postdocs to recharge, rest and reflect with their peers through creative activities. Peer support facilitators will be on hand to facilitate open dialogue on graduate wellbeing and managing the unique stressors faced by the graduate community.
- Session 1: Vision Boards
- Session 2: Paper Flower Making
- Session 3: Open Studio
Dates: Tuesdays, February 4th & 25th, March 18th, & April 1st - Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM - Modality: In-person (Drop-in) at POD 60 also located within is POD 71, On March 18th Drop in at SLC 4TH FLOOR.
Undergrad Art Lounge
A Collaboration Between Health Promotion Programs and Student Success Navigators at TMU
Discover your creativity at the Undergrad Art Lounge! This series of interactive art sessions offers students a fun and relaxing space to explore their artistic side and connect with others. Whether you’re looking to unwind, express yourself creatively, or try something new, these sessions provide an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities while fostering a sense of community and well-being. Join us for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and artistic expression in a welcoming, judgment-free environment!
- February 4th: Collaging, Canvas & Making Valentines (Substances Week Launch)
- February 25th: Open Art Lounge collaging, colouring, painting and more
- March 18th: Painting Your Own Spring Candles
- April 1st: Easter Egg Decorating (with a fun contest!)
Dates: Wednesdays, March 12th to April 2nd - Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Weekly) - Modality: In-person at POD 50B (New students are welcome at every session)
(google form) Queer Community Circle Peer Support Group (external link)
Hey Queer folks! Looking for a space of your own? Whether you’re questioning, in the closet, newly out or a seasoned pro, we’re here for you!
Join us at Queer Community Circle, a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals to come together, share experiences, support one another, and build community! Facilitated by Queer peer support facilitators, we’ll guide you through discussions and activities that provide inclusive support, connection, and joy to queer folks no matter what stage they’re at.
- March 12th: Sips of Joy: Celebrating Queer Inspiration
- March 19th: Love & Flags: Navigating Healthy Queer Relationships ❤️🔥🏳️⚧️
- March 26th: Navigating Queer Joy in a Heteronormative World
- April 2nd: Joyful Connections
Dates & Times: Wednesday March 19th (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM) & Thursday March 20th (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM) - Modality: Hybrid (in-person at POD 50B and virtual format)
(google form) Strong Minds & Strong Lives: A Men's Consultation Group (external link)
Are you a male identifying student at TMU? If so, we are inviting you to join our Men's Consultation Group! The goal of this consultation meeting is to discuss the development of a Men's Group at TMU and we'd like to know your thoughts about what this group should look like! Discussions will involve your ideas for the design of the group, ways to develop community and self-development of male identifying students. This is an amazing way to meet fellow male identifying students and discuss ways that the university can support you!
